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SAFER DESIGNS URGED FOR MOTORCYCLES AND RECREATIONAL VEHICLES

THE SPECTACULAR GROWTH OF THE USE OF MOTORCYCLES AND RECREATIONAL VEHICLES (RV) HAS FAR OUSTRIPPED SAFETY STANDARDS AND ADEQUATE SAFETY RECORD KEEPING. THE THE NATIONAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY ADVISORY COUNCIL OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION DEVOTED ITS ANNUAL CONGRESS ON AUTOMOTIVE SAFETY EXCLUSIVELY TO MOTORCYCLES AND RECREATIONAL VEHICLES. IT IS NOTED THAT: (1) ON-ROAD MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS HAVE A TRAFFIC FATALITY RATE FOUR OR FIVE TIMES HIGHER THAN CARS; (2) RVS HAVE A BETTER SAFETY RECORD THAN CARS; (3) RV'S HAVE A HIGH INCIDENCE OF FIRE IS POINTED OUT AS A FIRST STEP IN IMPROVING VEHICLE CONTROL, A MATHEMATICAL DESCRIPTION OF VEHICLE BEHAVIOR IS BEING DERIVED, PARTICULARLY REGARDING BRAKING. ATTEMPTS ARE BEING MADE TO IMPROVE THE CRASHWORTHINESS OF MOTORCYCLES WHILE PRESERVING THEIR UNIQUE FEATURES. IMPROVEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE IN TIRES, BRAKES, AND DESIGN. AN OFF THE ROAD SUR- VEY REVEALED A VAST NUMBER OF DEFECTS IN RV'S AS REGARDS AXLE LOADS. SAFETY STANDARDS ARE PROPOSED FOR RV'S.